New York State Aid Programs

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) offers for a wide variety of grants, scholarships, student loans and parent loans for part-time and full-time college study. HESC also administers the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), the nation's largest state grant program. Grants and scholarships are types of aid that do not need to be repaid. Although students apply for financial aid directly to HESC, the funds are taken into account when developing the LIU Riverhead financial aid package. You must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the State of New York to be eligible for HESC awards. Students who reside outside of New York State may be eligible for grants, scholarships and loans from their home state. Contact the federal student aid agency at 1-800-433-3243 or www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov for more information. Below is a list of New York State awards. A full listing is available at www.hesc.com.

New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) (For Full-Time Undergraduate Students)

Criteria

This grant is awarded to students based on household income.

For undergraduates: The New York State net taxable income ceiling for students who are dependent on their parents or who are married and/or have dependents of their own is currently $80,000. The New York State net taxable income ceiling for single independent students who do not have dependents is $10,000.

Application

The TAP Application process begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This New York State grant program is available to permanent residents of New York State who plan to attend a New York State college or university and meet income requirements. Students can complete the online TAP Application by linking to it directly from the FAFSA Confirmation Page. This Application should be completed no later than March 1 each year.

Amount

First-time undergraduate recipients with taxable incomes of $7,999 or less are eligible to receive awards as high as $5,000 per year. The award is reduced as the taxable income rises to $80,000. This award is limited to four years of undergraduate study.

Part-Time TAP Program (For Part-time Students)

Part-time students at approved schools in New York State who were first-time, full-time freshmen may be eligible for Part-Time TAP to help them pay for college. Part-Time TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back. Part-Time TAP is not the same as Aid for Part-Time Study.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Part-Time TAP, a student must:

- Be a first-time freshman in the 2006-07 academic year or thereafter

- Have earned 12 credits or more in each of the two consecutive semesters, for a minimum total of 24 credits earned

- Maintain a minimum of a "C" average

In addition, the student must:

- Be a United States citizen or an eligible noncitizen

- Be a legal resident of New York State

- Have graduated from high school in the United States, or earned a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department

- Be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing

- Be charged at least $200 tuition per year

- Be taking 6 to 11 credits per semester

- Not be default on a student loan guaranteed by Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) and not be in any Repayment of State awards

- Meet income eligibility limitations

Application

To apply, complete and submit the FAFSA and TAP Applications and follow the instructions provided.

Amount

The income limits for Part-Time TAP are the same as those for undergraduate TAP:

- Dependent undergraduate students or students who are married or have tax dependents – $80,000 NYS net taxable income.

This grant program is financed by New York State in conjunction with participating educational institutions throughout the State. It is designed to help part-time undergraduate students enrolled in 3-11 credits per semester meet their educational expenses.

Application

Application is made by completing the New York State Aid for Part-Time Study Application each semester and submit to the Financial Assistance Office at the C.W. Post Campus. In addition the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed annually by March 1 at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Amount

The program provides up to $2,000 per year for part-time students who meet New York State net taxable income guidelines. Funding levels are limited so early Application is encouraged.

New York State Memorial Scholarships for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers and Emergency Medical Service Workers

Criteria

Provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers and emergency medical service workers who have died as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty in service to the State of New York.

This program provides financial assistance to enrolled members of a New York State tribe and their children who are attending, or planning to attend, a college in New York State and are New York State residents.

Application

Application forms may be obtained from the Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Room 478EBA, Albany, NY 12234.

Application deadlines: July 15 for Fall Semester, December 31 for Spring Semester, May 20 for Summer Semester.

New York State Veterans Tuition Award

These awards are for full-time and part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution in New York State. For more information regarding this program, please contact www.veterans.ny.gov or call 1-888-838-7697.

The NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship program guarantees access to a college education to the families and financial dependents of the victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts.